Kentucky man charged with releasing raccoon into business after previous mule-riding incidents
Share this @internewscast.com

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Quite the wild situation unfolded in small-town Kentucky recently.

A man from Murray, Kentucky, named Jonathan Mason, aged 40, was taken into custody by the Murray Police Department on accusations of setting a raccoon free inside an operating business.

Mason reportedly arrived at the unnamed establishment at approximately 9:18 p.m. on June 6 and released the raccoon, which proceeded to bite a customer, according to a statement from the Murray Police Department on Facebook.

Split of a raccoon and Jonathon Mason

Jonathan Mason is alleged to have unleashed a rabid raccoon (not shown here) within a business only months after being detained for eluding police while riding a mule. (iStock | Murray Police Department)

The reportedly rabid raccoon’s release inside the business was just the latest in a string of animal-related offenses committed by Mason, police said.

In December 2024, police said a “manifestly” drunk Mason rode a mule to a liquor store. When he refused to leave, the police were called. Mason was arrested after trying to ride off on his mule, police said.

Jonathan Mason's mugshot

Jonathan Mason was arrested in December while allegedly riding a mule while drunk. (Murray Police Department)

Some witnesses reportedly told police they saw Mason unnecessarily whip the mule at a different business. The mule was taken away by the police.

A few days later, police said Mason tried to take back his mule, also while drunk. Mason was allegedly caught riding his mule down the road and refused to stop. He was arrested again and taken to jail, police said.

According to the Murray Police Department, spanning his three arrests, Mason has been charged with two counts of second-degree animal cruelty, third-degree fleeing or evading police, second-degree disorderly conduct, alcohol intoxication in a public place, two counts of third-degree criminal trespassing, two counts of resisting arrest, second-degree assault and failure of owner to maintain required insurance.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Murray Police Department for additional comment but has not received a response.

Nick Butler is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Do you have any tips? Reach out to Nick.Butler@Fox.com.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
USF doctoral students vanish as family says disappearance is 'very suspicious' and 'unusual'

Authorities Detain Suspect Following Disappearance of Two USF Doctoral Students from Tampa Campus and Nearby Residence

An individual has been detained concerning the case of two missing doctoral…
17 charged across New England after massive coordinated street takeover wreaks havoc in suburban Boston town

17 Arrested in New England After Major Street Takeover Disrupts Boston Suburb

Authorities in Massachusetts have apprehended 17 individuals from New England in connection…
What to know if your flight is canceled amid rising jet fuel costs

Essential Tips for Navigating Flight Cancellations as Jet Fuel Prices Climb

Passenger rights differ significantly based on your flight destination. Here’s what you…
The Kremlin’s war on censorship looks a lot like trigger warnings in NYC, dissident Russian director says

Russian Director Compares Kremlin’s Censorship Tactics to NYC’s Trigger Warnings

Fleeing Russia in pursuit of freedom, a prominent director found himself ensnared…
Long Island PTA mom accused of stealing $50K from elementary school while she served as NYPD officer

Long Island PTA Mom and NYPD Officer Charged with Embezzling $50K from Elementary School Funds

On Wednesday, authorities reported the arrest of a PTA mom from Long…
California 'spiked drinks' bill moves ahead

California Advances Legislation on ‘Spiked Drinks

Individuals with ill intentions in California bars should take note: the state…
Vegan meat mogul charged with strangling social media star ex in ritzy NYC hotel

Vegan Meat Tycoon Arrested for Alleged Strangulation of Social Media Influencer in Luxury NYC Hotel

An Australian entrepreneur, known for establishing a well-known vegan chicken nugget enterprise,…
Ukraine pitches 'Donnyland' to honor Trump's aid against Russia: report

Ukraine Proposes ‘Donnyland’ Tribute to Recognize Trump’s Support in Russia Conflict

According to a recent report, Ukrainian officials have proposed renaming a portion…
Semitruck driver in deadly interstate crash fraudulently obtained license, citizenship: Officials

Tragic Interstate Crash Unveils Fraudulent License and Citizenship Claims of Semitruck Driver

A tragic interstate collision that claimed the lives of a young family…
US soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke charged with using intel to win $400K Polymarket bet on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro raid

US Soldier Accused of Leveraging Military Intel for $400K Polymarket Bet on Venezuelan President Raid

WASHINGTON — A member of the U.S. special forces has been indicted…
Wild photos show firefighters battling massive 5-alarm fire at historic NYC church

Stunning Photos Capture Heroic Firefighters Tackling Devastating 5-Alarm Blaze at Iconic NYC Church

Striking images have emerged of firefighters valiantly combating an intense 5-alarm blaze…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Wauconda High School Career Advisor and College of Lake County Employee, Adam Faulkner, Faces Charges of Grooming and Solicitation

In Wauconda, Illinois, troubling news has emerged from the local high school,…